I dawdled down to the oyster shed around 7am the other day and found myself looking at dew drops that had formed on leaves in the early morning tingle. The droplets were sturdy and fragile, transparent and colourful. After a decent gawk I realised I could even catch glimpses of my face staring back at me. It made me think – those tiny worlds form and dissipate in the morning light, only present for what we perceive to be a pretty fleeting instant in time. But that’s just the thing, that’s how we perceive it. Would an ant or a butterfly, alive for just a matter of weeks, have a another concept (in our understanding) of time and movement? Of growth, decay and all that is flux? These little droplets are transient existences, just like our own and just like all things. They are still, however, existences, that surely affect other lives too. Think of an ant moving along a leaf to find food and water – holy smokes – this droplet is an oasis! Packed full of organic molecules, food and hydration, this bead of liquid could be the holy grail for our little ant friend.

I suppose the point is this: consideration. All animals (including us) perceive the world in different ways. There are even differences between humans, when has the way you see the world been exactly and completely in line with someone elses view? It is partly because of these differences that we have so much beauty and variation around us – variation in thought, action, growth and decay. Awareness of these different perspectives is so very important, as they contribute to the change and flux that is us and is all around us. What we perceive as the important parts of our world are not always the focus of someone or something else’s. I dare say I’ll consider this when I’m next walking through any environment. Our understanding is not the only understanding and is certainly not always the most important. It is a part of a changing whole.